Ballynahinch Seconds XV Pull Off Solid Win Against Ballymena but Terenure prove a handful for Ballynahinch firsts
AIL Division 1A,
Saturday 14 12 14,
Final Result: Terenure 23 3 Ballynahinch.
Ballynahinch travelled to league powerhouse Terenure on Saturday hoping to bounce back from a poor performance against Clontarf at home and although they were much improved, the result was the same – a heavy defeat and no bonus points to show for their efforts writes James Kirk.
The Ballynahinch squad is suffering from attrition on two fronts – injuries within the camp and unavailability of several regulars from the Ulster setup due to the chronic injury list at provincial level.
They looked lethal against Garryowen when fielding a full-strength squad but have seen their cutting edge blunted with the loss of Aaron Sexton and Zac Ward and the lack of fast, front-foot possession as the forwards have come up against much bigger opponents intent on nullifying their set piece and dominating the close quarter exchanges.
These problems are no different to the other nine teams in this extremely physical league but have been magnified by the quality of opposition in recent weeks.
On Saturday Ballynahinch fronted up magnificently against a full-strength Terenure outfit and despite a couple of yellow cards and some hardcore red zone defence they went in at halftime just two points in arrears.
They piled on the pressure early in the second half but were undone by a classic sucker punch when they turned the ball over going for the Terenure line and their opponents scored a length of the field try to stretch their lead to nine points.
Terenure were able to use all their experience and strong bench to keep Ballynahinch at arms length over the final quarter and scored two further tries to clinch a try bonus point and give the scoreline a lopsided look which failed to reflect the close nature of the contest over the opening 60 mins.
However, the Co Down men remain in the playoff picture and the four week break before Terenure return in January is more than welcome to allow some tired bodies the chance to rest.
A top four place remains the target.
Ballynahinch 1-21: Matthew Burke, Claytan Milligan, Tom McCallistair, Will Hopes, Declan Horrox, Zack McCall, Reuben Crothers, Bryn Ward, Conor McKee, Harry McKeown, Ethan Graham, Mark Best, George Pringle, Rhuari Meharg, Conor Rankin, Kelvin Hamilton, John Dickson Jnr, Callum Smyth, Ronan McCusker, Chris Gibson, Matthew Booth.
***
Ballynahinch RFC Round-up 14/12/2024
Club Notes
Cup fever returns this weekend as Ballynahinch travel to Malone in the Senior Cup and the 5Th XV travel to Ballymena in the McCambley Cup.
Ballynahinch suffered a heavy defeat away to Enniskillen in the Womens Junior Shield but battled hard against a quality opponent.
Davy Harris was delighted to see his second XV complete a fine league double over rivals Ballymena with a five try display at Ballymacarn Park. They remain behind Armagh in second but are just six points behind with a game in hand.
Mike Evans and his band of brothers on the fourth XV continued their Forster Cup defence with victory over Lurgan and will be hoping for another home draw in the next round.
The 3rds suffered a heavy defeat at Armagh and will hope for a reaction this weekend at home to Ballymoney.
The next AIL home fixture is January 11th vs Terenure. Seats can be booked for all fixtures via James Kirk on 07966143184.
Other diary dates include our 70th Anniversary Gala Ball on 7th March. See social media for details.
Youth Training continues on Mondays at 7pm for boys and Wednesdays at 7pm for girls. All players U12/U14/U16/U18 welcome and no experience necessary. Contact Clifton Quinn for details on 07501228045.
Mini rugby continues on Saturday mornings from 9.30-11am. Boys and girls from P1 – Yr8 are all welcome, with training run for each age group in their school year.
Mini rugby news is posted weekly on the club Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/ballynahinchrfcofficial.
or more details contact Kenny Morton – Mini Convenor on 07813157614 or email:
(All photos by David Barr © ).
Results 14 12 2024
Terenure 24 Ballynahinch 3 (AIL Division 1A)
Enniskillen 48 Ballynahinch 5 (Womens Junior Shield)
Ballynahinch 2 36 Ballymena 6 (2nd XV League)
Armagh 3 60 Ballynahinch 3 0 (Provincial Premier 1)
Ballynahinch 4 24 Lurgan 2 7 (Forster Cup)
Fixtures 21 12 2024
Malone V Ballynahinch (Senior Cup)
Instonians 2 vs Ballynahinch 2 (2nd XV League)
Ballynahinch 3 vs Ballymoney 2 (Provincial Prem 1)
Ballymena 5 vs Ballynahinch 5 (McCambley Cup)
Bangor U14/16/18 vs Ballynahinch U14/16/18.
***
